BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The fire that heavily damaged the Five10 Flats apartment and retail complex on Bethlehem's South Side was cause by "improperly discarded smoking materials," fire officials have ruled.
The city Fire Marshal’s office said in a release Thursday it has completed its investigation into the origin and cause of the fire, which displaces 135 residents and several businesses.
"We have determined that the fire originated on an outdoor patio/deck on the roof of the building," the release said.
"The fire extended into the sixth-floor elevator lobby and consumed a large portion of the roof before it could be extinguished.
"The fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials."
Former Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, director of business development for Peron Development, which built Five10 Flats, previously told LehighValleyNews.com that a rooftop cigarette butt may have caused the fire.
Callahan said a resident "was smoking on the rooftop deck and put a cigarette butt in one of the plants and... on the [security] cameras... we watched it smolder."
"Fire Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office will work with fire investigators representing the involved insurance companies as their investigation progresses," the city's release said.
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Work continues with residents, building
Officials have said the American Red Cross and the building ownership continue to work with the building tenants to provide support and services as needed.
Officials previously said the structure was turned over to Paul Davis damage restoration company and will remain closed while repairs are made.
The City of Bethlehem Police Department assisted in successfully evacuating all residents without any reported
injuries, officials previously said.
They said, "thick smoke was pouring from the rooftop filling the street below upon arrival" and "strong winds at the time fanned flames across the rooftop."
Bethlehem Fire Department was at the scene at 510 E. 3rd St. "within 1 ½ minutes," they previously said.
The building is five stories and contained 95 apartments on floors 2-5 and seven businesses on the 1st floor.